Though it's often framed as a federal issue, money in politics is even more powerful in state elections, especially those for state judges and justices.

In Citizens United v. FEC, five justices of the Supreme Court found that the First Amendment protection of free speech prohibited Congress from banning political advocacy by organizations, including pushing for the election or defeat of candidates. Tightly blindfolded, Justice Anthony Kennedy concluded, "Independent expenditures, including those made by corporations, do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption." Justice Kennedy should observe what's happening to state courts.